Comics including Peter Cook, Barry Humphries and members of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" perform at a charity show.
In May 1977 a second Amnesty benefit was held to build on the success of the first show and with the intent of developing momentum for a regularly scheduled benefit show. The returning production team included Amnesty Assistant Director Peter Luff and Martin Lewis. The show was directed by Monty Python member Terry Jones. This show was unlike the first show and its primary successors in three key aspects. It was a single-night event rather than consisting of multiple performances, it started at 8:00 pm on a Sunday evening, and the show was videotaped as a TV special rather than filmed for theatrical release. The show took place at London's Mermaid Theatre and was titled An Evening Without Sir Bernard Miles, an affectionate reference to the actor/manager who had founded the Mermaid Theatre. The title grew out of the discarded working title of the previous year's show. The comedic performers in the 1977 show included several who had performed in the first show – such as Peter Cook, Terry Jones, John Cleese – joined by his then wife Connie Booth – and some newcomers including Sir Peter Ustinov. There were also a handful of musical performers including classical guitarist John Williams, actress/singer Julie Covington and folk troubadour Pete Atkin.
Performed at Her Majesty's Theatre, London, The Secret Policeman's Ball was "slightly" directed by John Cleese.
Performed at the a Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, The Secret Policeman's Other Ball comprised four three hour shows and was directed byRonald a eyre and "slightly" assisted by John Cleese.
Performed on four nights at The Palladium Theatre, London, The Secret Policeman's Third Ball was directed by Paul Jackson, with musical direction from Paul Gambaccini.
Performed at The Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, on four nights, The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball was stage directed by John Cleese and Jennifer Saunders.
Commemorating Amnesty International's 30th anniversary, performed at Central TV Studios, Nottingham on two nights, The Big 3-0 was directed by David Hillier, and competed by Jools Holland, Jonathan Ross, Paula Yates and Alexi Sayle.
We Know Where You Live. Live! is the son of "The Secret Policeman's Ball", and without a doubt the live comedy event of the year. Staring Eddie Izzard, We Know Where You Live. Live!is a non-stop, rapid fire live show featuring the UK's finest comedy and music performers. With a line-up that's second to none, this amazing show also features a unique finale - a hysterical reowking of the "4 Yorkshiremen" sketch featuring Eddie Izzard, Alan Rickman, Harry Enfield and Vic Reeves.
A collection of musical performances from the Amnesty International series of Secret Policeman's Balls from 1979-1991, featuring some of the finest talents in the music industry, including Sting, Tom Jones, Phil Collins and Eric Clapton.
The rebirth of Amnesty International's legendary SECRET POLICEMAN'S BALL at the Royal Albert Hall on 14th October - after a 15 year hiatus - was a resounding success. Bigger, Better and Ballsier than ever before, 'The Ball In The Hall' is a non-stop, rapid-fire, relentless smorgasbord of comedy and music. 6,000 people turned up to create a fantastic atmosphere as some of the best contemporary comic and music talent from both sides of the Atlantic delivered one show-stopping performance after another. Featuring never-before-seen collaborations, brand new sketches, explosive stand-up, off-stage performances, surprise ingredients and an anthem for the world, there has been nothing like it in the comedy world for years.
Returning to mark Amnesty International's 50th anniversary, The Secret Policeman's Ball 2012 is bigger than ever as some of the world's best comedians and musicians team up for an evening of original, cutting-edge entertainment. This year's Secret Policeman's Ball takes place in March at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, featuring an all-star cast of music and comedy talent. Among the line-up of British and American talent are Coldplay, Russell Brand, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons and Reggie Watts. UK and US stars featuring in the celebration of free speech and Amnesty International's 50th anniversary include Noel Fielding - who will be reunited on stage with Russell Brand - Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Carr, Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets, Micky Flanagan, Jack Whitehall, Jason Sudeikis, David Walliams, Seth Meyers and Kristen Wiig. Established in 1976, The Secret Policeman's Ball uses anarchic humour to throw a spotlight on human rights abuses and celebrates the right to free speech through comedy and music.
